EP2145525A2 - Sectionalized belt guide for draper belt in an agricultural harvesting machine - Google Patents
Sectionalized belt guide for draper belt in an agricultural harvesting machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2145525A2 EP2145525A2 EP09164644A EP09164644A EP2145525A2 EP 2145525 A2 EP2145525 A2 EP 2145525A2 EP 09164644 A EP09164644 A EP 09164644A EP 09164644 A EP09164644 A EP 09164644A EP 2145525 A2 EP2145525 A2 EP 2145525A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- belt
- cutting platform
- platform
- clip
- leading edge
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000003306 harvesting Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 13
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 39
- 235000013339 cereals Nutrition 0.000 description 13
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 11
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 3
- 244000068988 Glycine max Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000010469 Glycine max Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 241000209140 Triticum Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000021307 Triticum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007665 sagging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
- A01D61/00—Elevators or conveyors for binders or combines
- A01D61/002—Elevators or conveyors for binders or combines transversal conveying devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
- A01D57/00—Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers
- A01D57/20—Delivering mechanisms for harvesters or mowers with conveyor belts
Definitions
- the present invention relates to agricultural harvesting machines, and, more particularly, to agricultural combines including a draper cutting platform.
- An agricultural harvesting machine such as a combine includes a head and a feeder housing which remove the crop material from the field, gather the crop material and transport the crop material to a separator.
- the head In the case of thinner stemmed crops such as soybeans, wheat, etc. which may be cut with a sickle bar carrying a plurality of knives, the head may also be known as a cutting platform.
- the separator removes the grain crop material from the non-grain crop material.
- the grain is cleaned and deposited in a grain tank.
- an unloading auger which is positioned alongside the combine during harvesting is moved to the unloading position in which the auger extends approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the combine.
- the combine drives alongside a vehicle into which the grain is to be unloaded, such as a semi-trailer, and the unloading auger is actuated to discharge the grain into the vehicle.
- a cutting platform may generally be of two types.
- One type typically has a sheet metal floor with a dual feed auger near the rear of the cutting platform for feeding the crop material longitudinally to the feeder housing.
- a cutting platform of this type with auger feed is more common.
- FIG. 1 Another type of cutting platform, also known as a draper platform, utilizes a flat, wide belt, referred to as a draper or draper belt to convey crop material.
- the arrangement and number of belts vary among platforms.
- One style of draper platform has two side belts that convey crop material longitudinally, to the center of the platform, where a center feed belt moves the crop material laterally into the feeder housing.
- Each belt is wrapped around a pair of rollers, one being a drive roller and the other being an idler roller.
- An example of this type draper arrangement is disclosed in US 6 202 397 B .
- An advantage of a draper platform is that larger amounts of crop material can be transported without plugging, etc. For example, with wide platforms approaching 40 feet or even larger, the amount of crop material transported to the feeder housing can be substantial. With an auger feed platform, the crop material may bind between the auger and the back wall of the platform. In contrast, with a draper platform, the crop material is carried on top of the belt with less chance for plugging.
- Draper platforms currently in use have a rigid framework not allowing the framework to flex to any appreciable extent during use.
- the draper platform can be placed in a "float" position such that the cutterbar at the leading edge does not dig into the ground, but the leading edge of the platform itself cannot flex across the width of the platform as a result of uneven ground terrain. This results in some crop material being missed in ground depressions, etc., while also possibly causing a part of the cutterbar to dig into localized ground elevations (e.g., small mounds, etc.). Of course, missed crop material directly translates into missed revenue, and localized gouging of soil can cause additional repair expenses resulting from broken knives, knife guards, etc.
- the invention in one form is directed to a cutting platform for use with an agricultural harvesting machine, including a plurality of platform sections.
- At least one platform section includes a cutterbar assembly movable in a localized manner in upwards and downwards directions, an endless belt having a leading edge, a plurality of belt supports mounted to the cutterbar assembly, and a plurality of belt guides.
- Each belt support is at least partially positioned under the leading edge of the endless belt, and includes at least one upwardly extending clip.
- Each belt guide partially overlies the leading edge of the endless belt.
- Each belt guide includes at least one clip hole for receiving a corresponding clip, and a rear surface which is attached to a belt support or the cutterbar assembly.
- the invention in another form is directed to an agricultural harvesting machine including a base unit having a feeder housing, and a cutting platform attached to the feeder housing.
- the cutting platform includes a plurality of platform sections.
- At least one platform section includes a cutterbar assembly movable in a localized manner in upwards and downwards directions, an endless belt having a leading edge, a plurality of belt supports mounted to the cutterbar assembly, and a plurality of belt guides.
- Each belt support is at least partially positioned under the leading edge of the endless belt, and includes at least one upwardly extending clip.
- Each belt guide partially overlies the leading edge of the endless belt.
- Each belt guide includes at least one clip hole for receiving a corresponding clip, and a rear surface which is attached to a belt support or the cutterbar assembly.
- Combine 10 includes a feeder housing 14 which is detachably coupled with cutting platform 12.
- Feeder housing 14 is typically attached to and considered part of the base unit providing both propulsion power as well as external power to cutting platform 12.
- Feeder housing 14 receives the crop material from cutting platform 12, both grain and non-grain crop material, and transports the crop material to a separator within combine 10 in known manner (not shown).
- the grain crop material is separated from the non-grain crop material, cleaned and transported to a grain tank.
- the non-grain crop material is transported to a chopper, blower, etc. in known manner and distributed back to the field.
- Cutting platform 12 generally includes a plurality of platform sections 16, 18 and 20, a cutterbar assembly 22 and a reel assembly 24.
- platform section 16 is a center platform section
- platform section 18 is a first wing platform section
- platform section 20 is a second wing platform section.
- cutting platform 12 may be configured with more or less platform sections, depending upon the particular application.
- Each platform section 16, 18 and 20 generally includes a frame 26, a plurality of float arms 28 coupled with a respective frame 26, a cutterbar 30 carried by the outboard ends of respective float arms 28, an endless belt 32, and a plurality of belt guides 34.
- the frame 26 of first wing platform section 18 and second wing platform section 20 are each pivotally coupled with center platform section 16, such that the outboard ends of first wing platform section 18 and second wing platform section 20 can move up and down independent from center platform section 16.
- a lift cylinder 36 coupled between the frame of combine 10 and feeder housing 14 lifts the entire cutting platform 12
- a first tilt cylinder 38 coupled between the respective frame 26 of first wing platform section 18 and center platform section 16 pivotally moves first wing platform section 18 relative to center platform section 16
- a second tilt cylinder 40 coupled between the respective frame 26 of second wing platform section 20 and center platform section 16 pivotally moves second wing platform section 20 relative to center platform section 16.
- Cutterbar assembly 22 includes two cutterbars 30 carried at the outboard ends of float arms 28 (i.e., at the leading edge of a platform section 16, 18 or 20).
- Each cutterbar 30 includes a plurality of knives 42 carried by a bar (not specifically shown).
- the particular type of knife can vary, such as a double blade knife (as shown) or a single blade knife.
- the bar is formed from a metal which is flexible to an extent allowing a desired degree of flexure across the width of cutting platform 12.
- a majority of each cutterbar 30 is carried by a respective first wing platform section 18 or second wing platform section 20, with a lesser extent at the adjacent inboard ends of each cutterbar 30 being carried by center platform section 16.
- Cutterbars 30 are simultaneously driven by a single knife drive 44, providing reciprocating movement in concurrent opposite directions between cutterbars 30.
- a plurality of knife guards 46 are positioned in opposition to knives 42 for providing opposing surfaces for cutting the crop material with knives 42.
- a plurality of keepers 48 spaced along cutterbars 30 have a distal end above cutterbars 30 for maintaining cutterbars 30 in place during reciprocating movement.
- Float arms 28 may be pivoted at their connection locations with a respective frame 26.
- a float cylinder 50 coupled between a respective frame 26 and float arm 28 may be used for raising or lowering the outboard end of float arm(s) 28 at the leading edge of cutting platform 12.
- Each float cylinder 50 may also be placed in a "float" position allowing the connected float arm 28 to generally follow the ground contour during operation. More particularly, each float cylinder 50 is fluidly connected with an accumulator 52 carried by a platform section 16, 18 or 20. Accumulator 52 allows fluid to flow to and from attached float cylinders 50 such that no pressure build-up occurs.
- each float cylinder 50 is free to move back and forth longitudinally, thereby allowing float arms 28 to follow the ground contour.
- float cylinders 50 can be actuated to move float arms 28 in an upward or downward direction.
- each float cylinder 50 is a hydraulic cylinder, but could possibly be configured as a gas cylinder for a particular application.
- Each float arm 28 is also associated with a respective roller 54.
- the plurality of rollers 54 for each platform section 16, 18 and 20 carry and are positioned within a loop of a respective endless belt 32.
- At the inboard end of first wing platform section 18 and second wing platform section 20 is a driven roller, and at the outboard end of first wing platform section 18 and second wing platform section 20 is an idler roller.
- the rollers positioned between the inboard drive roller and outboard idler roller at each float arm 28 also function as idler rollers. It will be appreciated that the number of float arms 28, and thus the number of rollers 54, may vary depending upon the overall width of cutting head 12 transverse to the travel direction.
- Reel assembly 24 includes two reels 56, center reel support arm 58 and a pair of outer reel support arms 60.
- Outer reel support arms 60 are pivotally coupled at one end thereof with an outboard end of a respective first wing platform section 18 or second wing platform section 20.
- Outer reel support arms 60 rotationally carry a respective reel 56 at an opposite end thereof.
- Each outer reel support arm 60 may be selectively moved up and down using a hydraulic cylinder, and the pair of hydraulic cylinders are typically coupled in parallel so that they move together upon actuation.
- Center reel support arm 58 is pivotally coupled at one end thereof with center platform section 16 above the opening leading to feeder housing 14.
- Center reel support arm 58 rotationally carries an inboard end of each reel 56 at an opposite end thereof.
- a hydraulic motor 62 or other suitable mechanical drive rotationally drives each reel 56. More particularly, hydraulic motor 62 drives a common drive shaft 64 through a chain and sprocket or other suitable arrangement (not shown). The rotational speed of reels 56 can be adjusted by an operator by adjusting the rotational speed of hydraulic motor 62.
- Center reel support arm 58 may be selectively moved up and down using a hydraulic cylinder 66. Center reel support arm 58 is movable independently from outer reel support arms 60. To accommodate this independent movement, drive shaft 64 driven by hydraulic motor 62 is coupled at each end thereof via a universal joint 68 with a respective reel 56. This independent movement of center reel support arm 58 can be accomplished manually using a separate actuating switch or lever in operator's cab 70, or automatically using an electronic controller 72 located within cab 70 or other suitable location.
- Each platform section 16, 18 and 20 has a leading edge which is configured to allow cutterbar assembly 22 to flex an appreciable extent in a localized manner across the width of cutting platform 12.
- each float arm 28 has a distal end adjacent the leading edge of cutting platform 12.
- the float arms 28 associated with each respective platform section 16, 18 and 20 are mounted with a corresponding flexible substrate 74 extending substantially across the width of that particular platform section 16, 18 or 20.
- Flexible substrate 74 for each particular platform section 16, 18 and 20 in essence forms the backbone to which the other modular components (to be described hereinafter) are mounted and allows flexibility of the platform section across the width thereof.
- flexible substrate 74 is a steel plate with various mounting holes formed therein, and has a modulus of elasticity providing a desired degree of flexibility.
- the geometric configuration and material type from which flexible substrate 74 is formed may vary, depending upon the application.
- each float arm 28 is fastened to a knife guard 46, flexible substrate 74, crop ramp 76 and hold down 48.
- Cutterbar 30, including blades 44 carried by bar 78, is reciprocally carried by knife guards 46.
- Hold downs 48 which are spaced across the width of cutterbar 30 retain bar 78 within the corresponding grooves formed in knife guards 46.
- Crop ramps 76 are overlapped but not rigidly attached to each other, thereby allowing flexure during harvesting operation. Each crop ramp 76 forms an upper ledge positioned above endless belt 32 which assists in maintaining the crop material on endless belt 32 as it is transported toward feeder housing 14. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 , crop ramp 76 has a flat, angled orientation to assist in transport of the crop material from cutterbar assembly 22 to endless belt 32. For certain applications, it may be possible to eliminate crop ramps 76.
- a bushing housing 80 also mounted to flexible substrate 74 carries a bushing (not shown) which in turn carries a mount 82 for rotatably supporting roller 54.
- endless belt 32 is guided by a plurality of belt guides 84, upper run carriers 86 and lower run carriers 88.
- Endless belt 32 has a plurality of spaced apart cleats 90 which do not extend to the lateral side edges thereof, allowing belt 32 to travel between belt guides 84 and upper run carriers 86 without unnecessary clearance space therebetween.
- Each belt guide 84 is positioned adjacent to but is not connected with a corresponding crop ramp 76.
- the number and width of belt guides 84 substantially corresponds to the number and width of crop ramps 76.
- Each belt guide 84 has a generally L-shaped cross-sectional configuration with leading and trailing edges (relative to the direction of travel of endless belt 32) which are overlapped relative to each other.
- the direction of travel of the upper run of endless belt 32 between belt guides 84 and upper run carriers 86 is indicated by directional arrow 92.
- each belt guide 84 includes a tongue 94 which is underlapped with an adjacent belt guide 84.
- the direction of underlapping between adjacent belt guides 84 is generally opposite to the travel direction of endless belt 32.
- each belt guide 84 the crop material which is carried by endless belt 32 also slides along the upper surface of each belt guide 84.
- the underlap arrangement between adjacent belt guides 84 is in the same direction as the crop material movement across the upper surfaces thereof, resulting in less resistance and accumulation of the crop material as it slides along belt guides 84.
- belt guides 84 also may move relative to each other during flexure of cutting platform 12. To accommodate such movement, adjacent belt guides 84 are underlapped in a manner providing a clearance distance 96 therebetween. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 , clearance distance 96 is between 4 to 25 millimeters, preferably approximately between 6 to 12 millimeters. This clearance distance has been found to be suitable to prevent impingement between adjacent belt guides 84 during maximum flexure in a downward direction.
- Upper run carriers 86 and lower run carriers 88 each have down turned leading and trailing edges to prevent catching with endless belt 32. As may be observed in Fig. 6 , each upper run carrier 86 and generally vertically aligned lower run carrier 88 are positioned in correspondence with and generally below a belt guide 84 and crop ramp 76. Endless belt 32 is for the most part in fact carried by the upper surfaces of upper run carriers 86 during operation. Conversely, endless belt 32 typically does not ride along the upper surfaces of lower run carriers 88, which assist in guiding endless belt 32 in the event of belt sagging, etc.
- the leading edge of cutting platform 12 has a projected height of between approximately 3 to 4 inches.
- the projected height is primarily defined by the distance between skid shoe 96 and the upper extent of crop ramp 76.
- float arms 28 are placed in a float state allowing free upward and downward movement as combine 10 traverses over the ground surface.
- Cutterbar assembly 22 moves up and down with float arms 28 on a localized basis, and crop ramps 76 and belt guides 84 move relative to each other to allow the flexibility at the leading edge of each platform section 16, 18 and 20.
- Belt guides 84 also cause each belt 32 to follow the cutterbar assembly by holding down on the upper surface of the belt as cutterbar assembly 22 locally dips downward. This prevents crop material from entering beneath belt 32.
- the present invention therefore provides a cutting platform which flexes to a high degree, efficiently moves crop material to the feeder housing, and maximizes harvest yield by better following the ground contour.
- FIG. 7 there is shown a fragmentary, sectional view through the leading edge of another embodiment of a cutting platform 100 of the present invention.
- the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 is in many respects similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 and described above.
- the primary difference is that cutting platform 100 includes a plurality of adjacent and overlapped crop ramps 102 with a generally vertical front wall and the crop retaining ledge shifted closer to the cutterbar adjacent the front wall. This allows more room under the crop ramps for accommodating the various components which are interconnected together. Additionally, shifting the crop retaining ledge to the front wall which is closer to the cutterbar allows the crop material to be shifted onto the upper deck adjacent endless belt 32 sooner, and also provides a slightly larger carrying surface as the crop material is moved toward feeder housing 14.
- Cutting platform 110 is similar in many respects to the embodiment of cutting platform 12 shown in Figs. 1-6 and described above.
- cutting platform 110 may include a pair of wing platform sections and a center platform section, with each platform section carrying a cutterbar assembly 112 and a respective endless belt 114.
- Each platform section also carries a number of adjacent and overlapped belt guides 116 which can move relative to each other.
- belt guides 84 overlap from one belt guide to the next.
- the direction of overlap between adjacent belt guides 84 is generally opposite to the travel direction of endless belt 84.
- the overlap arrangement between adjacent belt guides 84 is in the same direction as the crop material movement across the upper surfaces thereof. This results in a smooth upper transition from one belt guide to the next so that crop material does not accumulate as it slides along the upper surfaces of adjacent belt guides 84.
- the overlap is formed by bending the longitudinal end of the belt guide to form an underlap to provide the smooth upper transition between adjacent belt guides for the crop material. Machining the metal belt guide 84 so as not to have an underlap would likely be too expensive for the many belt guides that are utilized across the width of the cutting platform. This results in the underlap extending below the belt guide in a direction against the travel direction of the endless belt, which can possibly result in undue wear and early replacement of the endless belt.
- belt guides 116 are formed with both a smooth upper transition and a smooth lower transition between adjacent belt guides 116, resulting in no or little accumulation of crop material above the belt guides, and no extra wear to the endless belt below the belt guides.
- each belt guide 116 has a rear edge 118 with an upper surface 120 and a lower surface 122.
- Lower surface 122 partially overlies a leading edge 124 of endless belt 114.
- Upper surface 120 and lower surface 122 each have a continuous, uninterrupted contour. That is, there are no abrupt discontinuities such as recesses or projections which might tend to accumulate crop material (on top) or wear the endless belt (below).
- upper surface 120 and lower surface 122 are each generally planar, but could also be formed with a slight curvature (e.g., simple or compound curvature).
- Each belt guide 116 also has a pair of longitudinal ends 128.
- Each longitudinal end 128 has an overlap 130 which is configured for a smooth upper transition and/or a smooth lower transition with an adjacent belt guide 116 when installed on cutting platform 110.
- a smooth upper transition there are no discontinuities in the area of the overlap 130 which extend above the upper surface 120.
- a smooth lower transition there are no discontinuities in the area of the overlap 130 which extend below the lower surface 122.
- belt guides 116 By providing an overlap with both a smooth upper transition and smooth lower transition between adjacent belt guides 116, it is possible to form belt guides 116 from plastic in the illustrated embodiment. If belt guides 116 were formed from plastic and had an underlap, such as belt guides 84 described above, then the endless belt 114 would wear against the underlap and likely wear off the underlap between adjacent belt guides, which obviously would not be desirable.
- each end 128 has a complimentary overlap 130 with a lip 132 which is approximately one-half the thickness of end 128 (and also one-half the thickness of rear edge 118).
- lip 132 By forming lip 132 with a thickness which is only a partial thickness of end 128, complimentary lips 132 may overlie each other and still only have a thickness corresponding to end 128.
- Each lip 132 need not be one-half the thickness of end 128, but could be a different proportional thickness which still totals the thickness of end 128. For example, one lip 132 could be approximately 60% of the thickness of end 128 and the other complimentary lip 132 could be approximately 40% of the thickness of end 128.
- the direction of overlap between adjacent belt guides 116 is generally opposite to the travel direction of endless belt 114. However, by providing a smooth lower transition between adjacent belt guides 116, there is no undue wear to either the lip 132 or the endless belt 114. Further, the direction of overlap between adjacent belt guides 116 is in the same direction as the crop material movement across the upper surfaces thereof, resulting in little or no accumulation of crop material on top of belt guides 116.
- longitudinal ends 128 have a gap of between 0 to 1.5 mm.
- Each belt guide 116 is fastened to a corresponding belt support 134 using a three point connection for a secure and substantially immovable connection. More particularly, each belt guide 116 includes a pair of clip holes 136 at a forward end thereof. Each belt support 134 likewise includes a pair of upwardly extending clips 138 which are positioned to slide into and engage a corresponding clip hole 136. Clips 138 are generally C-shaped in cross section and face in a forward direction. Clips 138 and clip holes 136 form two attachment points of the three point connection.
- belt guide 116 includes a threaded bolt hole 140 in a rear surface 142 ( Fig. 11 ).
- Belt support 134 includes a thru-hole 144 which is in general alignment with bolt hole 140.
- a bolt 146 passes through thru-hole 144 and is threaded into a bolt hole 140.
- Belt supports 134 are stamped metal parts which are partially positioned under and support endless belt 114. Belt supports 134 are fastened to a flexible substrate 148 of cutterbar assembly 112. In particular, flexible substrate 148 forms the flexible backbone of cutterbar assembly 112, and each belt support 134 is fastened to flexible substrate 148 using a plurality of fasteners, such as carriage bolts 150 ( Fig. 8 ). Each bolt 150 passes through a knife guard 152, flexible substrate 148, belt support 134, and hold-down 154. Each belt support 134 further includes a pair of downwardly extending flanges 156 at a rear end thereof which abut against a rear edge 158 of flexible substrate 148.
- FIG. 13-16 there is shown a portion of the leading edge of yet another embodiment of a cutting platform 160 of the present invention.
- Cutting platform 160 is similar in many respects to the embodiment of cutting platform 110 shown in Figs. 8-12 and described above. The primary difference is that each belt guide 162 has a four point connection with a belt support 164, thereby again forming a secure and substantially immovable connection.
- Each belt guide 162 has a pair of clip holes 166 at the forward end thereof which receive a corresponding pair of forwardly facing clips 168 extending upwardly from a belt support 164, the same as in the embodiment shown in Figs. 8-12 .
- each belt guide 162 has a pair of fingers 170 at a rear end thereof. Each finger 170 wraps around the rear edge 158 of flexible substrate 148.
- Clips 168 prevent relative movement between belt guide 162 and belt support 164 in one direction, and fingers 170 prevent relative movement between belt guide 162 and belt support 164 in the opposite direction.
- Belt supports 164 are again attached to flexible substrate 148 using carriage bolts 150.
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Harvester Elements (AREA)
- Outside Dividers And Delivering Mechanisms For Harvesters (AREA)
- Harvesting Machines For Specific Crops (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to agricultural harvesting machines, and, more particularly, to agricultural combines including a draper cutting platform.
- An agricultural harvesting machine such as a combine includes a head and a feeder housing which remove the crop material from the field, gather the crop material and transport the crop material to a separator. In the case of thinner stemmed crops such as soybeans, wheat, etc. which may be cut with a sickle bar carrying a plurality of knives, the head may also be known as a cutting platform. The separator removes the grain crop material from the non-grain crop material. The grain is cleaned and deposited in a grain tank. When the grain tank becomes full, an unloading auger which is positioned alongside the combine during harvesting is moved to the unloading position in which the auger extends approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the combine. The combine drives alongside a vehicle into which the grain is to be unloaded, such as a semi-trailer, and the unloading auger is actuated to discharge the grain into the vehicle.
- A cutting platform may generally be of two types. One type typically has a sheet metal floor with a dual feed auger near the rear of the cutting platform for feeding the crop material longitudinally to the feeder housing. A cutting platform of this type with auger feed is more common.
- Another type of cutting platform, also known as a draper platform, utilizes a flat, wide belt, referred to as a draper or draper belt to convey crop material. The arrangement and number of belts vary among platforms. One style of draper platform has two side belts that convey crop material longitudinally, to the center of the platform, where a center feed belt moves the crop material laterally into the feeder housing. Each belt is wrapped around a pair of rollers, one being a drive roller and the other being an idler roller. An example of this type draper arrangement is disclosed in
US 6 202 397 B . - An advantage of a draper platform is that larger amounts of crop material can be transported without plugging, etc. For example, with wide platforms approaching 40 feet or even larger, the amount of crop material transported to the feeder housing can be substantial. With an auger feed platform, the crop material may bind between the auger and the back wall of the platform. In contrast, with a draper platform, the crop material is carried on top of the belt with less chance for plugging.
- Draper platforms currently in use have a rigid framework not allowing the framework to flex to any appreciable extent during use. The draper platform can be placed in a "float" position such that the cutterbar at the leading edge does not dig into the ground, but the leading edge of the platform itself cannot flex across the width of the platform as a result of uneven ground terrain. This results in some crop material being missed in ground depressions, etc., while also possibly causing a part of the cutterbar to dig into localized ground elevations (e.g., small mounds, etc.). Of course, missed crop material directly translates into missed revenue, and localized gouging of soil can cause additional repair expenses resulting from broken knives, knife guards, etc.
- What is needed in the art is a draper platform which better follows the ground contour during operation, and has modular components which are more easily assembled and disassembled.
- This object is achieved with the subject matter of claim 1. The dependent claims recite advantageous embodiments of the invention.
- The invention in one form is directed to a cutting platform for use with an agricultural harvesting machine, including a plurality of platform sections. At least one platform section includes a cutterbar assembly movable in a localized manner in upwards and downwards directions, an endless belt having a leading edge, a plurality of belt supports mounted to the cutterbar assembly, and a plurality of belt guides. Each belt support is at least partially positioned under the leading edge of the endless belt, and includes at least one upwardly extending clip. Each belt guide partially overlies the leading edge of the endless belt. Each belt guide includes at least one clip hole for receiving a corresponding clip, and a rear surface which is attached to a belt support or the cutterbar assembly.
- The invention in another form is directed to an agricultural harvesting machine including a base unit having a feeder housing, and a cutting platform attached to the feeder housing. The cutting platform includes a plurality of platform sections. At least one platform section includes a cutterbar assembly movable in a localized manner in upwards and downwards directions, an endless belt having a leading edge, a plurality of belt supports mounted to the cutterbar assembly, and a plurality of belt guides. Each belt support is at least partially positioned under the leading edge of the endless belt, and includes at least one upwardly extending clip. Each belt guide partially overlies the leading edge of the endless belt. Each belt guide includes at least one clip hole for receiving a corresponding clip, and a rear surface which is attached to a belt support or the cutterbar assembly.
- An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings, in which:
-
Fig. 1 is a fragmentary, top view of an agricultural combine including an embodiment of a draper platform of the present invention; -
Fig. 2 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the agricultural combine ofFig. 1 ; -
Fig. 3 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the cutting platform shown inFigs. 1 and2 ; -
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary, top view of the leading edge of the cutting platform shown inFigs. 1-3 ; -
Fig. 5 is a fragmentary, sectional view as viewed along line 5-5 inFig. 4 ; -
Fig. 6 is fragmentary, perspective view illustrating the belt guides, as viewed from the right ofFig. 5 ; -
Fig. 7 is a fragmentary, side sectional view taken at the leading edge of another embodiment of a cutting platform of the present invention; -
Fig. 8 is a fragmentary, front perspective view of the leading edge of another embodiment of a cutting platform of the present invention; -
Fig. 9 is a fragmentary, rear perspective view of the leading edge shown inFig. 8 ; -
Fig. 10 is a fragmentary, side sectional view taken at the leading edge ofFigs. 8 and9 , with the hold-downs removed; -
Fig. 11 is an exploded, rear perspective view of the belt guide and belt support shown inFigs. 8-10 ; -
Fig. 12 is a rear view of the belt guide shown inFig. 11 ; -
Fig. 13 is a fragmentary, front perspective view of the leading edge of yet another embodiment of a cutting platform of the present invention; -
Fig. 14 is a fragmentary, side sectional view taken at the leading edge ofFig. 13 ; -
Fig. 15 is an exploded, rear perspective view of the belt guide and belt support shown inFigs. 13-14 ; and -
Fig. 16 is an exploded, front perspective view of the belt guide and belt support shown inFigs. 13-15 . - Referring now to the drawings, and, more particularly to
Figs. 1 and2 , there is shown an agricultural harvesting machine in the form of acombine 10 including an embodiment of acutting platform 12 of the present invention. Combine 10 includes afeeder housing 14 which is detachably coupled withcutting platform 12.Feeder housing 14 is typically attached to and considered part of the base unit providing both propulsion power as well as external power to cuttingplatform 12.Feeder housing 14 receives the crop material from cuttingplatform 12, both grain and non-grain crop material, and transports the crop material to a separator within combine 10 in known manner (not shown). The grain crop material is separated from the non-grain crop material, cleaned and transported to a grain tank. The non-grain crop material is transported to a chopper, blower, etc. in known manner and distributed back to the field. -
Cutting platform 12 generally includes a plurality ofplatform sections cutterbar assembly 22 and areel assembly 24. In the embodiment shown,platform section 16 is a center platform section,platform section 18 is a first wing platform section, andplatform section 20 is a second wing platform section. Although shown with three platform sections,cutting platform 12 may be configured with more or less platform sections, depending upon the particular application. - Each
platform section frame 26, a plurality offloat arms 28 coupled with arespective frame 26, acutterbar 30 carried by the outboard ends of respectivefloat arms 28, anendless belt 32, and a plurality ofbelt guides 34. Theframe 26 of firstwing platform section 18 and secondwing platform section 20 are each pivotally coupled withcenter platform section 16, such that the outboard ends of firstwing platform section 18 and secondwing platform section 20 can move up and down independent fromcenter platform section 16. To that end, alift cylinder 36 coupled between the frame ofcombine 10 andfeeder housing 14 lifts theentire cutting platform 12, afirst tilt cylinder 38 coupled between therespective frame 26 of firstwing platform section 18 andcenter platform section 16 pivotally moves firstwing platform section 18 relative to centerplatform section 16, and asecond tilt cylinder 40 coupled between therespective frame 26 of secondwing platform section 20 andcenter platform section 16 pivotally moves secondwing platform section 20 relative to centerplatform section 16. -
Cutterbar assembly 22 includes twocutterbars 30 carried at the outboard ends of float arms 28 (i.e., at the leading edge of aplatform section cutterbar 30 includes a plurality ofknives 42 carried by a bar (not specifically shown). The particular type of knife can vary, such as a double blade knife (as shown) or a single blade knife. The bar is formed from a metal which is flexible to an extent allowing a desired degree of flexure across the width of cuttingplatform 12. In the embodiment shown, a majority of each cutterbar 30 is carried by a respective firstwing platform section 18 or secondwing platform section 20, with a lesser extent at the adjacent inboard ends of each cutterbar 30 being carried bycenter platform section 16.Cutterbars 30 are simultaneously driven by asingle knife drive 44, providing reciprocating movement in concurrent opposite directions betweencutterbars 30. - A plurality of
knife guards 46 are positioned in opposition toknives 42 for providing opposing surfaces for cutting the crop material withknives 42. A plurality ofkeepers 48 spaced alongcutterbars 30 have a distal end above cutterbars 30 for maintainingcutterbars 30 in place during reciprocating movement. -
Float arms 28 may be pivoted at their connection locations with arespective frame 26. Afloat cylinder 50 coupled between arespective frame 26 andfloat arm 28 may be used for raising or lowering the outboard end of float arm(s) 28 at the leading edge of cuttingplatform 12. Eachfloat cylinder 50 may also be placed in a "float" position allowing theconnected float arm 28 to generally follow the ground contour during operation. More particularly, eachfloat cylinder 50 is fluidly connected with anaccumulator 52 carried by aplatform section Accumulator 52 allows fluid to flow to and from attachedfloat cylinders 50 such that no pressure build-up occurs. In this manner, the rams associated with eachfloat cylinder 50 are free to move back and forth longitudinally, thereby allowingfloat arms 28 to follow the ground contour. When not in a float mode,float cylinders 50 can be actuated to movefloat arms 28 in an upward or downward direction. In the embodiment shown, eachfloat cylinder 50 is a hydraulic cylinder, but could possibly be configured as a gas cylinder for a particular application. - Each
float arm 28 is also associated with arespective roller 54. The plurality ofrollers 54 for eachplatform section endless belt 32. At the inboard end of firstwing platform section 18 and secondwing platform section 20 is a driven roller, and at the outboard end of firstwing platform section 18 and secondwing platform section 20 is an idler roller. The rollers positioned between the inboard drive roller and outboard idler roller at eachfloat arm 28 also function as idler rollers. It will be appreciated that the number offloat arms 28, and thus the number ofrollers 54, may vary depending upon the overall width of cuttinghead 12 transverse to the travel direction. -
Reel assembly 24 includes tworeels 56, centerreel support arm 58 and a pair of outerreel support arms 60. Outerreel support arms 60 are pivotally coupled at one end thereof with an outboard end of a respective firstwing platform section 18 or secondwing platform section 20. Outerreel support arms 60 rotationally carry arespective reel 56 at an opposite end thereof. Each outerreel support arm 60 may be selectively moved up and down using a hydraulic cylinder, and the pair of hydraulic cylinders are typically coupled in parallel so that they move together upon actuation. - Center
reel support arm 58 is pivotally coupled at one end thereof withcenter platform section 16 above the opening leading tofeeder housing 14. Centerreel support arm 58 rotationally carries an inboard end of eachreel 56 at an opposite end thereof. Ahydraulic motor 62 or other suitable mechanical drive rotationally drives eachreel 56. More particularly,hydraulic motor 62 drives acommon drive shaft 64 through a chain and sprocket or other suitable arrangement (not shown). The rotational speed ofreels 56 can be adjusted by an operator by adjusting the rotational speed ofhydraulic motor 62. - Center
reel support arm 58 may be selectively moved up and down using ahydraulic cylinder 66. Centerreel support arm 58 is movable independently from outerreel support arms 60. To accommodate this independent movement, driveshaft 64 driven byhydraulic motor 62 is coupled at each end thereof via a universal joint 68 with arespective reel 56. This independent movement of centerreel support arm 58 can be accomplished manually using a separate actuating switch or lever in operator'scab 70, or automatically using anelectronic controller 72 located withincab 70 or other suitable location. - Each
platform section cutterbar assembly 22 to flex an appreciable extent in a localized manner across the width of cuttingplatform 12. - Referring to
Figs. 4 and5 , eachfloat arm 28 has a distal end adjacent the leading edge of cuttingplatform 12. Thefloat arms 28 associated with eachrespective platform section flexible substrate 74 extending substantially across the width of thatparticular platform section Flexible substrate 74 for eachparticular platform section flexible substrate 74 is a steel plate with various mounting holes formed therein, and has a modulus of elasticity providing a desired degree of flexibility. The geometric configuration and material type from whichflexible substrate 74 is formed may vary, depending upon the application. - The distal end of each
float arm 28 is fastened to aknife guard 46,flexible substrate 74,crop ramp 76 and hold down 48.Cutterbar 30, includingblades 44 carried bybar 78, is reciprocally carried by knife guards 46. Holddowns 48 which are spaced across the width ofcutterbar 30retain bar 78 within the corresponding grooves formed in knife guards 46. - Crop ramps 76 are overlapped but not rigidly attached to each other, thereby allowing flexure during harvesting operation. Each
crop ramp 76 forms an upper ledge positioned aboveendless belt 32 which assists in maintaining the crop material onendless belt 32 as it is transported towardfeeder housing 14. In the embodiment shown inFig. 5 ,crop ramp 76 has a flat, angled orientation to assist in transport of the crop material fromcutterbar assembly 22 toendless belt 32. For certain applications, it may be possible to eliminatecrop ramps 76. - A
bushing housing 80 also mounted toflexible substrate 74 carries a bushing (not shown) which in turn carries amount 82 for rotatably supportingroller 54. - As best seen in
Figs. 5 and6 ,endless belt 32 is guided by a plurality of belt guides 84,upper run carriers 86 andlower run carriers 88.Endless belt 32 has a plurality of spaced apart cleats 90 which do not extend to the lateral side edges thereof, allowingbelt 32 to travel between belt guides 84 andupper run carriers 86 without unnecessary clearance space therebetween. - Each
belt guide 84 is positioned adjacent to but is not connected with a correspondingcrop ramp 76. The number and width of belt guides 84 substantially corresponds to the number and width of crop ramps 76. Eachbelt guide 84 has a generally L-shaped cross-sectional configuration with leading and trailing edges (relative to the direction of travel of endless belt 32) which are overlapped relative to each other. InFig. 6 , the direction of travel of the upper run ofendless belt 32 between belt guides 84 andupper run carriers 86 is indicated bydirectional arrow 92. As will be observed, eachbelt guide 84 includes atongue 94 which is underlapped with anadjacent belt guide 84. The direction of underlapping between adjacent belt guides 84 is generally opposite to the travel direction ofendless belt 32. On the other hand, the crop material which is carried byendless belt 32 also slides along the upper surface of eachbelt guide 84. The underlap arrangement between adjacent belt guides 84 is in the same direction as the crop material movement across the upper surfaces thereof, resulting in less resistance and accumulation of the crop material as it slides along belt guides 84. - As described above with regard to
crop ramp 76, belt guides 84 also may move relative to each other during flexure of cuttingplatform 12. To accommodate such movement, adjacent belt guides 84 are underlapped in a manner providing aclearance distance 96 therebetween. In the embodiment shown inFig. 6 ,clearance distance 96 is between 4 to 25 millimeters, preferably approximately between 6 to 12 millimeters. This clearance distance has been found to be suitable to prevent impingement between adjacent belt guides 84 during maximum flexure in a downward direction. -
Upper run carriers 86 andlower run carriers 88 each have down turned leading and trailing edges to prevent catching withendless belt 32. As may be observed inFig. 6 , eachupper run carrier 86 and generally vertically alignedlower run carrier 88 are positioned in correspondence with and generally below abelt guide 84 andcrop ramp 76.Endless belt 32 is for the most part in fact carried by the upper surfaces ofupper run carriers 86 during operation. Conversely,endless belt 32 typically does not ride along the upper surfaces oflower run carriers 88, which assist in guidingendless belt 32 in the event of belt sagging, etc. - Configured as shown in
Fig. 5 , the leading edge of cuttingplatform 12 has a projected height of between approximately 3 to 4 inches. The projected height is primarily defined by the distance betweenskid shoe 96 and the upper extent ofcrop ramp 76. - During harvesting operation, float
arms 28 are placed in a float state allowing free upward and downward movement ascombine 10 traverses over the ground surface.Cutterbar assembly 22 moves up and down withfloat arms 28 on a localized basis, andcrop ramps 76 and belt guides 84 move relative to each other to allow the flexibility at the leading edge of eachplatform section belt 32 to follow the cutterbar assembly by holding down on the upper surface of the belt ascutterbar assembly 22 locally dips downward. This prevents crop material from entering beneathbelt 32. The present invention therefore provides a cutting platform which flexes to a high degree, efficiently moves crop material to the feeder housing, and maximizes harvest yield by better following the ground contour. - Referring now to
Fig. 7 , there is shown a fragmentary, sectional view through the leading edge of another embodiment of acutting platform 100 of the present invention. The embodiment shown inFig. 7 is in many respects similar to the embodiment shown inFig. 5 and described above. The primary difference is that cuttingplatform 100 includes a plurality of adjacent and overlappedcrop ramps 102 with a generally vertical front wall and the crop retaining ledge shifted closer to the cutterbar adjacent the front wall. This allows more room under the crop ramps for accommodating the various components which are interconnected together. Additionally, shifting the crop retaining ledge to the front wall which is closer to the cutterbar allows the crop material to be shifted onto the upper deck adjacentendless belt 32 sooner, and also provides a slightly larger carrying surface as the crop material is moved towardfeeder housing 14. - Referring now to
Figs. 8-12 , there is shown a portion of another embodiment of acutting platform 110 of the present invention.Cutting platform 110 is similar in many respects to the embodiment of cuttingplatform 12 shown inFigs. 1-6 and described above. To that end, cuttingplatform 110 may include a pair of wing platform sections and a center platform section, with each platform section carrying acutterbar assembly 112 and a respectiveendless belt 114. Each platform section also carries a number of adjacent and overlapped belt guides 116 which can move relative to each other. - As described above with reference to
Figs. 1-6 , belt guides 84 overlap from one belt guide to the next. The direction of overlap between adjacent belt guides 84 is generally opposite to the travel direction ofendless belt 84. On the other hand, the overlap arrangement between adjacent belt guides 84 is in the same direction as the crop material movement across the upper surfaces thereof. This results in a smooth upper transition from one belt guide to the next so that crop material does not accumulate as it slides along the upper surfaces of adjacent belt guides 84. - However, with a
belt guide 84 formed from metal as shown inFigs. 1-6 , the overlap is formed by bending the longitudinal end of the belt guide to form an underlap to provide the smooth upper transition between adjacent belt guides for the crop material. Machining themetal belt guide 84 so as not to have an underlap would likely be too expensive for the many belt guides that are utilized across the width of the cutting platform. This results in the underlap extending below the belt guide in a direction against the travel direction of the endless belt, which can possibly result in undue wear and early replacement of the endless belt. - In contrast, belt guides 116 are formed with both a smooth upper transition and a smooth lower transition between adjacent belt guides 116, resulting in no or little accumulation of crop material above the belt guides, and no extra wear to the endless belt below the belt guides.
- More particularly, each
belt guide 116 has arear edge 118 with anupper surface 120 and alower surface 122.Lower surface 122 partially overlies aleading edge 124 ofendless belt 114.Upper surface 120 andlower surface 122 each have a continuous, uninterrupted contour. That is, there are no abrupt discontinuities such as recesses or projections which might tend to accumulate crop material (on top) or wear the endless belt (below). In the embodiment shown,upper surface 120 andlower surface 122 are each generally planar, but could also be formed with a slight curvature (e.g., simple or compound curvature). - Each
belt guide 116 also has a pair of longitudinal ends 128. Eachlongitudinal end 128 has anoverlap 130 which is configured for a smooth upper transition and/or a smooth lower transition with anadjacent belt guide 116 when installed on cuttingplatform 110. In the case of a smooth upper transition, there are no discontinuities in the area of theoverlap 130 which extend above theupper surface 120. In the case of a smooth lower transition, there are no discontinuities in the area of theoverlap 130 which extend below thelower surface 122. - By providing an overlap with both a smooth upper transition and smooth lower transition between adjacent belt guides 116, it is possible to form belt guides 116 from plastic in the illustrated embodiment. If belt guides 116 were formed from plastic and had an underlap, such as belt guides 84 described above, then the
endless belt 114 would wear against the underlap and likely wear off the underlap between adjacent belt guides, which obviously would not be desirable. - In the embodiment shown, each
end 128 has acomplimentary overlap 130 with alip 132 which is approximately one-half the thickness of end 128 (and also one-half the thickness of rear edge 118). By forminglip 132 with a thickness which is only a partial thickness ofend 128,complimentary lips 132 may overlie each other and still only have a thickness corresponding to end 128. Eachlip 132 need not be one-half the thickness ofend 128, but could be a different proportional thickness which still totals the thickness ofend 128. For example, onelip 132 could be approximately 60% of the thickness ofend 128 and the othercomplimentary lip 132 could be approximately 40% of the thickness ofend 128. - The direction of overlap between adjacent belt guides 116 is generally opposite to the travel direction of
endless belt 114. However, by providing a smooth lower transition between adjacent belt guides 116, there is no undue wear to either thelip 132 or theendless belt 114. Further, the direction of overlap between adjacent belt guides 116 is in the same direction as the crop material movement across the upper surfaces thereof, resulting in little or no accumulation of crop material on top of belt guides 116. - It will be appreciated that there is a slight gap in the area of the overlap between adjacent belt guides 116 to allow movement of the plurality of belt guides 116 relative to each other and thereby provide for localized movement of the
cutterbar assembly 112. In the embodiment shown, longitudinal ends 128 have a gap of between 0 to 1.5 mm. - Each
belt guide 116 is fastened to acorresponding belt support 134 using a three point connection for a secure and substantially immovable connection. More particularly, eachbelt guide 116 includes a pair of clip holes 136 at a forward end thereof. Eachbelt support 134 likewise includes a pair of upwardly extendingclips 138 which are positioned to slide into and engage acorresponding clip hole 136.Clips 138 are generally C-shaped in cross section and face in a forward direction.Clips 138 andclip holes 136 form two attachment points of the three point connection. - For the third attachment point,
belt guide 116 includes a threadedbolt hole 140 in a rear surface 142 (Fig. 11 ).Belt support 134 includes a thru-hole 144 which is in general alignment withbolt hole 140. Abolt 146 passes through thru-hole 144 and is threaded into abolt hole 140. - Belt supports 134 are stamped metal parts which are partially positioned under and support
endless belt 114. Belt supports 134 are fastened to aflexible substrate 148 ofcutterbar assembly 112. In particular,flexible substrate 148 forms the flexible backbone ofcutterbar assembly 112, and eachbelt support 134 is fastened toflexible substrate 148 using a plurality of fasteners, such as carriage bolts 150 (Fig. 8 ). Eachbolt 150 passes through aknife guard 152,flexible substrate 148,belt support 134, and hold-down 154. Eachbelt support 134 further includes a pair of downwardly extendingflanges 156 at a rear end thereof which abut against arear edge 158 offlexible substrate 148. - Referring now to
Figs. 13-16 , there is shown a portion of the leading edge of yet another embodiment of acutting platform 160 of the present invention.Cutting platform 160 is similar in many respects to the embodiment of cuttingplatform 110 shown inFigs. 8-12 and described above. The primary difference is that eachbelt guide 162 has a four point connection with abelt support 164, thereby again forming a secure and substantially immovable connection. - Each
belt guide 162 has a pair of clip holes 166 at the forward end thereof which receive a corresponding pair of forwardly facingclips 168 extending upwardly from abelt support 164, the same as in the embodiment shown inFigs. 8-12 . However, rather than using a bolt to interconnect abelt guide 162 with abelt support 164, eachbelt guide 162 has a pair offingers 170 at a rear end thereof. Eachfinger 170 wraps around therear edge 158 offlexible substrate 148.Clips 168 prevent relative movement betweenbelt guide 162 andbelt support 164 in one direction, andfingers 170 prevent relative movement betweenbelt guide 162 andbelt support 164 in the opposite direction. Belt supports 164 are again attached toflexible substrate 148 usingcarriage bolts 150.
Claims (9)
- A cutting platform for use with an agricultural harvesting machine, comprising:a plurality of platform sections, at least one said platform section including:a cutterbar assembly movable in a localized manner in upwards and downwards directions;an endless belt having a leading edge;a plurality of belt supports mounted to said cutterbar assembly, each said belt support at least partially positioned under said leading edge of said endless belt, each said belt support including at least one upwardly extending clip; anda plurality of belt guides, each said belt guide partially overlying said leading edge of said endless belt, each said belt guide including at least one clip hole for receiving a corresponding said clip, and a rear surface which is attached to one of a corresponding said belt support and said cutterbar assembly.
- The cutting platform of claim 1, wherein said at least one clip hole includes a pair of clip holes positioned toward a forward end of a corresponding said belt guide, and said at least one clip includes a pair of clips respectively received in a corresponding said clip hole.
- The cutting platform of claim 1, wherein each said clip is a generally C-shaped clip facing in a forward direction.
- The cutting platform of claim 1, wherein each said belt guide includes a bolt hole in said rear surface and a corresponding said belt support includes an aligned bolt thru-hole, and including a threaded bolt passing through said thru-hole and threaded into said bolt hole.
- The cutting platform of claim 1, wherein said cutterbar assembly includes a flexible substrate, each said belt support being fastened to said flexible substrate using a plurality of fasteners, each said belt support further including a pair of downwardly extending flanges at a rear end thereof which abut against a rear edge of said flexible substrate.
- The cutting platform of claim 1, wherein said cutterbar assembly includes a flexible substrate, and each said belt guide includes a pair of fingers at a rear end thereof which wrap around a rear edge of said flexible substrate.
- The cutting platform of claim 1, wherein said belt guides are movable relative to each other and overlap along adjacent side edges.
- The cutting platform of claim 1, wherein said plurality of belt guides are formed from plastic and said plurality of belt supports are formed from stamped metal.
- An agricultural harvesting machine, comprising:a base unit including a feeder housing; anda cutting platform according to one of claims 1 to 8 attached to said feeder housing.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/173,445 US7600364B2 (en) | 2006-03-02 | 2008-07-15 | Sectionalized belt guide for draper belt in an agricultural harvesting machine |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2145525A2 true EP2145525A2 (en) | 2010-01-20 |
EP2145525A3 EP2145525A3 (en) | 2017-08-16 |
EP2145525B1 EP2145525B1 (en) | 2019-03-27 |
Family
ID=41190721
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP09164644.8A Active EP2145525B1 (en) | 2008-07-15 | 2009-07-06 | Sectionalized belt guide for draper belt in an agricultural harvesting machine |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7600364B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2145525B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2009202690B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0903404B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2670851A1 (en) |
EA (1) | EA017052B1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
RU2562726C2 (en) * | 2010-09-29 | 2015-09-10 | КЛААС Зельбстфаренде Эрнтемашинен ГмбХ | Reaping device of self-propelled harvesting machine |
WO2023244233A1 (en) * | 2022-06-16 | 2023-12-21 | Macdon Industries Ltd | Plastic draper track |
Families Citing this family (43)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070193243A1 (en) | 2006-02-10 | 2007-08-23 | Schmidt James R | Combine Harvester Draper Header Having Flexible Cutterbar |
US20080276590A1 (en) * | 2006-02-10 | 2008-11-13 | Agco Corporation | Flexible draper and cutter bar with tilt arm for cutterbar drive |
US20080271426A1 (en) * | 2006-02-10 | 2008-11-06 | Agco Corporation | Draper belt with crop-retaining rib |
US7478521B2 (en) * | 2006-03-02 | 2009-01-20 | Deere & Company | Flexible cutting platform to follow ground contour in an agricultural harvesting machine |
US20090266044A1 (en) | 2008-04-25 | 2009-10-29 | Coers Bruce A | Integrated draper belt support and skid shoe in an agricultural harvesting machine |
US7886511B2 (en) | 2008-05-09 | 2011-02-15 | Agco Corporation | Draper head with flexible cutterbar having rigid center section |
US20090277145A1 (en) | 2008-05-09 | 2009-11-12 | Agco Corporation | Header height control system with multiple potentiometer input |
US7921627B2 (en) | 2008-05-09 | 2011-04-12 | Agco Corporation | Interlocking belt guards for a draper header |
US20090277144A1 (en) * | 2008-05-09 | 2009-11-12 | Agco Corporation | Spring flotation for center deck of draper header |
EP2312927B1 (en) * | 2008-05-09 | 2011-12-28 | Agco Corporation | Center crop deflector for draper header |
US20090277148A1 (en) * | 2008-05-09 | 2009-11-12 | Agco Corporation | Flexible draper and cutter bar having shiftable crop divider with deflector |
CA2722837C (en) * | 2008-05-09 | 2017-10-03 | Agco Corporation | Adjustable cutterbar travel range for a flexible cutterbar header |
US7971418B2 (en) * | 2009-07-09 | 2011-07-05 | Deere & Company | Header with extendible cutter bar |
CN101810081A (en) * | 2010-04-22 | 2010-08-25 | 湖南农业大学 | Method and equipment for harvesting devil's rush herb |
US7975462B1 (en) * | 2010-05-13 | 2011-07-12 | Cnh America Llc | Modular floor assembly for a combine header |
US8205421B2 (en) * | 2010-06-16 | 2012-06-26 | Agco Corporation | Belt guard crop dam for flexible draper header |
US7958711B1 (en) * | 2010-06-16 | 2011-06-14 | Agco Corporation | Crop deflector for ends of draper belt of flexible draper header |
US8402728B2 (en) * | 2010-06-25 | 2013-03-26 | Macdon Industries Ltd. | Guide arrangement for the draper of a combine harvester pick-up |
US7908836B1 (en) | 2010-07-20 | 2011-03-22 | Cnh America Llc | Draper header with multiple sided cut crop barrier interface between the cutter bar and draper canvas |
US8281561B2 (en) | 2010-08-17 | 2012-10-09 | Deere & Company | Flexible draper belt drive for an agricultural harvesting machine |
US8065865B1 (en) * | 2010-08-17 | 2011-11-29 | Deere & Company | Spring assisted translating draper belt drive rollers for an agricultural harvesting machine |
US9192097B2 (en) | 2011-06-16 | 2015-11-24 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Floor seal for a center knife drive for a sickle of a plant cutting machine |
US8291686B1 (en) * | 2011-06-17 | 2012-10-23 | Macdon Industries Ltd | Draper canvas with a shaped edge |
US8479483B1 (en) * | 2011-12-27 | 2013-07-09 | Agco Corporation | Flexible draper head providing reduced crop residue accumulation |
WO2013101875A1 (en) * | 2011-12-28 | 2013-07-04 | Agco Corporation | Skid plate for crop header having flexible cutterbar |
US8484939B1 (en) * | 2012-08-31 | 2013-07-16 | Macdon Industries Ltd. | Draper seal for crop harvesting header |
US8752359B2 (en) * | 2012-08-31 | 2014-06-17 | Macdon Industries Ltd. | Draper support of a crop harvesting header |
CA2799093A1 (en) * | 2012-12-18 | 2014-06-18 | Honey Bee Manufacturing Ltd. | Draper seal for crop header |
DE102013100322A1 (en) * | 2013-01-14 | 2014-07-17 | Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen Gmbh | cutting |
US9622412B2 (en) * | 2014-01-15 | 2017-04-18 | Deere & Company | Draper header with belt cleaning arrangement |
US9861036B2 (en) * | 2014-07-15 | 2018-01-09 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Skid shoe for a header of an agricultural harvester |
JP5996039B2 (en) * | 2015-05-29 | 2016-09-21 | 株式会社クボタ | Normal combine |
CN106664973A (en) * | 2016-12-29 | 2017-05-17 | 见保林 | Fixed lower header capable of uniform straw smashing |
WO2019023238A1 (en) * | 2017-07-25 | 2019-01-31 | CNH Industrial America, LLC | Draper belt assembly for an agricultural harvester |
US10568265B2 (en) | 2017-10-31 | 2020-02-25 | Deere & Company | Draper belt roller support |
EP3720265B1 (en) * | 2017-12-08 | 2021-12-15 | AGCO Corporation | Flexible header with sectional height adjustment |
US10813290B2 (en) * | 2018-06-11 | 2020-10-27 | Deere & Company | Component and method for crop ramp and belt support |
US10918017B2 (en) * | 2018-07-10 | 2021-02-16 | Macdon Industries Ltd | Draper canvas seal |
WO2020101993A1 (en) * | 2018-11-16 | 2020-05-22 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Harvester header with lateral belt roller mount |
US11419270B2 (en) * | 2018-11-27 | 2022-08-23 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Header for an agricultural harvester having a draper seal |
US11297770B2 (en) * | 2019-11-13 | 2022-04-12 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Draper belt assembly for an agricultural harvester |
US11617305B2 (en) * | 2020-05-21 | 2023-04-04 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Crop ramps for combine headers |
WO2024031167A1 (en) * | 2022-08-08 | 2024-02-15 | Macdon Industries Ltd. | Draper track |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6202397B1 (en) | 1999-05-27 | 2001-03-20 | Deere & Company | Draper belt tensioning mechanism for a harvesting platform |
Family Cites Families (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US923084A (en) * | 1908-10-05 | 1909-05-25 | David H Simmons | Apparatus for straightening grain upon harvesters. |
US1862101A (en) * | 1931-05-02 | 1932-06-07 | Jacob G Pax | Harvester |
US2347365A (en) * | 1941-10-18 | 1944-04-25 | Deere & Co | Harvesting mechanism |
US2509371A (en) * | 1944-06-10 | 1950-05-30 | Case Co J I | Machine for harvesting green peas |
US2608041A (en) * | 1947-01-24 | 1952-08-26 | Case Co J I | Conveying means for harvester headers |
US2720743A (en) * | 1953-01-21 | 1955-10-18 | Prather Junior John | Hinged sickle bar grain guard |
US2795922A (en) * | 1953-07-27 | 1957-06-18 | Horace D Hume | Floating cutter bar for harvesters |
US2999348A (en) * | 1959-04-20 | 1961-09-12 | Cunningham & Sons | Windrower mechanism |
SU1355156A1 (en) * | 1986-03-24 | 1987-11-30 | Научно-производственное объединение по сельскохозяйственному машиностроению | Windrower |
CA2138939C (en) * | 1994-12-22 | 2003-04-15 | Francois Talbot | Draper header with canvas to cutter bar seal |
US5459986A (en) * | 1994-12-27 | 1995-10-24 | Macdon Industries Ltd. | Draper header with canvas to cutter bar seal |
DE19504244C2 (en) * | 1995-02-09 | 1996-12-12 | Claas Ohg | Self-propelled combine harvester with a two-part cutting table |
US6351931B1 (en) * | 2000-06-09 | 2002-03-05 | Macdon Industries Ltd. | Crop header with draper canvas |
DE10331197B4 (en) * | 2003-07-10 | 2012-09-06 | Deere & Company | Crop pickup device with conveyor belt assembly |
US20070193243A1 (en) * | 2006-02-10 | 2007-08-23 | Schmidt James R | Combine Harvester Draper Header Having Flexible Cutterbar |
US7412816B2 (en) * | 2006-03-02 | 2008-08-19 | Deere & Company | Sectionalized belt guide for draper belt in an agricultural harvesting machine |
-
2008
- 2008-07-15 US US12/173,445 patent/US7600364B2/en active Active
-
2009
- 2009-06-30 CA CA002670851A patent/CA2670851A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2009-07-01 EA EA200900772A patent/EA017052B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2009-07-02 AU AU2009202690A patent/AU2009202690B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-07-06 EP EP09164644.8A patent/EP2145525B1/en active Active
- 2009-07-13 BR BRPI0903404-8A patent/BRPI0903404B1/en active IP Right Grant
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6202397B1 (en) | 1999-05-27 | 2001-03-20 | Deere & Company | Draper belt tensioning mechanism for a harvesting platform |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
RU2562726C2 (en) * | 2010-09-29 | 2015-09-10 | КЛААС Зельбстфаренде Эрнтемашинен ГмбХ | Reaping device of self-propelled harvesting machine |
WO2023244233A1 (en) * | 2022-06-16 | 2023-12-21 | Macdon Industries Ltd | Plastic draper track |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
BRPI0903404B1 (en) | 2018-04-10 |
US20090007533A1 (en) | 2009-01-08 |
AU2009202690B2 (en) | 2014-08-07 |
EP2145525A3 (en) | 2017-08-16 |
CA2670851A1 (en) | 2010-01-15 |
EP2145525B1 (en) | 2019-03-27 |
EA200900772A1 (en) | 2010-04-30 |
EA017052B1 (en) | 2012-09-28 |
BRPI0903404A2 (en) | 2010-06-01 |
AU2009202690A1 (en) | 2010-02-04 |
US7600364B2 (en) | 2009-10-13 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP2145525B1 (en) | Sectionalized belt guide for draper belt in an agricultural harvesting machine | |
EP2111742B1 (en) | Sectionalized belt guide for draper belt in an agricultural harvesting machine | |
EP1993343B1 (en) | Sectionalized belt guide for draper belt in an agricultural harvesting machine | |
US7478521B2 (en) | Flexible cutting platform to follow ground contour in an agricultural harvesting machine | |
EP2111741B1 (en) | Integrated draper belt support and skid shoe in an agricultural harvesting machine | |
EP2138029B1 (en) | Endless belt mounting configuration for an agricultural harvester |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL BA RS |
|
PUAL | Search report despatched |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A3 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL BA RS |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: A01D 57/20 20060101AFI20170713BHEP Ipc: A01D 61/00 20060101ALI20170713BHEP |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20180216 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20181025 |
|
RIN1 | Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected) |
Inventor name: MEESKE, KYLE A. Inventor name: ANDRIOS, JOHN Inventor name: LOVETT, BENJAMIN M. Inventor name: COERS, BRUCE A. |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1111876 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20190415 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602009057614 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190627 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20190327 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190627 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190628 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 1111876 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20190327 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190727 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190727 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602009057614 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20200103 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20190706 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190706 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190731 Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190706 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190731 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190731 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190706 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20090706 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20220721 Year of fee payment: 14 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20230621 Year of fee payment: 15 Ref country code: BE Payment date: 20230727 Year of fee payment: 15 |